You know your ears are full of wax if you experience muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness or pressure, itchiness, ringing (tinnitus), or dizziness, often accompanied by dull earache or discharge, especially if these issues develop gradually and aren't related to a cold. The best way to confirm is by seeing a doctor or audiologist, who uses an otoscope to look inside your ear.
Symptoms of an earwax build-up
Another method flushes out the wax with a syringe full of warm water and saline or diluted hydrogen peroxide. Your healthcare professional may recommend medicated ear drops to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System).
Symptoms of earwax build-up
earache or a feeling that your ears are blocked. ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus) vertigo (feeling dizzy and sick)
Yes, earwax removal is generally safe during pregnancy, with professional methods like microsuction, irrigation, and softening drops (like Waxsol or Otex, after checking with a doctor) being effective and safe options, but always inform your healthcare provider about your pregnancy so they can ensure the most comfortable and appropriate treatment for you, as traditional home remedies like cotton buds are discouraged.
The body naturally produces earwax to help protect and lubricate the ear canal. You may be more prone to earwax buildup if you wear hearing aids, earbuds, or earplugs frequently. Dust, pollen, cold weather, and skin conditions can also trigger an increased production of earwax.
It's the pregnancy hormones that can cause changes in the Eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes connect the ears to the throat, making them more prone to blockages and infections. Additionally, a weakened immune system can increase the risk of developing an ear infection.
Yes, deep earwax may eventually come out, but too much will mean you will likely need ear drops from a pharmacy to remove the wax at home. And if that doesn't work, then you will need to see a professional for microsuction. Don't suffer any longer than you have to — both solutions are quick and painless.
But sometimes it's not wax
These could be signs of a middle ear infection, fluid behind the eardrum, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or even early hearing loss. That's why it's so important to have your ears looked at properly.
At Specsavers, we use microsuction, which is the quickest and safest method of removing earwax. The tool gently sucks the wax from your ears, and has no contact with the eardrum or the sensitive skin of the ear canal.
If left untreated, excessive earwax may cause earwax impaction symptoms to worsen. These symptoms might include hearing loss, ear irritation, tinnitus and other issues.
Ear wax removal costs typically range from $70 to over $160, depending on the provider (audiologist, specialist), method (microsuction, manual), location, and if you have concessions or health insurance. Audiologists using microsuction often charge around $100-$110, while ENT specialists might cost $150-$300. Some places offer lower fees for pensioners or if no wax is found.
This irritation may result in discomfort or pain that radiates to other parts of the head, causing a headache. The sensation of fullness or pressure from impacted earwax can also lead to tension in the neck and head muscles. This tension may manifest as a full, throbbing headache.
Earwax buildup can cause blocked ears, earache, fullness in the ear, hearing loss, tinnitus or dizziness. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, it's important to book an appointment so a specialist can advise on next steps.
Symptoms
If your ears make too much wax or if earwax doesn't clear well enough, it may build up and block your ear canal. Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.
Dry earwax is not as effective as wet earwax in trapping foreign particles and is more likely to cause blockages in the ear canal.
Hearing tests at Specsavers are free of charge for everyone. If you feel your hearing has changed or you need a check-up, book a hearing test appointment with one of our hearing experts at your local store.
Ear wax removal, when performed correctly, should not be a painful experience. Micro-suction, administered by Registered Nurses, is a safe, quick, and effective method that usually results in a pain-free experience, offering immediate relief for those suffering from ear wax blockage.
Instead, soak a cotton ball and drip a few drops of plain water, a simple saline solution, or hydrogen peroxide into the ear with your head tilted so the opening of the ear is pointing up. Keep it in that position for a minute to allow gravity to pull the fluid down through the wax.
Common Signs of Earwax Impaction
One of the most common indicators of earwax impaction is a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. This sensation can vary, depending on the extent of the buildup. People often describe it as feeling like their ear is plugged or as if there is something stuck inside.
A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Many people experience clogged ears at some point. Allergies, head colds, pregnancy, and changes in air pressure are common reasons it may feel like your ears are full. Typically, plugged ears settle after a few days. The best treatment for ear fullness will depend on the cause.
Ear infections that happen again and again can lead to serious complications: